Units 14 and 18

[bigboney]

I've been going some research and trying to expand my hunting area. What are your thoughts of deer hunting and bear hunting units 18 or 14. They seem like very rugged terrain, but lots of honey holes. Are these two units even worth applying for or scouting?

 

[springbear]

both units have good numbers of bears. Some big ones, but nothing spectatular. Both units are conducive to baits, hounds, and spot and stalk. 14 mores so with the hounds. You do have to pay attention to the private property along the salmon river in both units. You will not likely get permission in either unit. Both units also get hunted pretty hard, by all three methods.

Neither unit is a high end Mule deer hunt. There are for sure some great to absolute hammer bucks in there, but they are pretty spread out. (like every other unit in the state). It can be done, just depends on how hard you are willing to get after it.

What is your idea of a trophy? what kind of hunt are you looking to do/able to do?

 

[bigboney]

I bow and rifle hunt, but since the area is new I would rifle. I can spend about 4 or 5 days of solid hunting and hiking isn't an issue for me at all. I've bear hunted unit 22 and would like to hunt that again- if I can ever draw the tag. I'm looking to shoot a 180"+ buck. I'm also looking into other areas draw and success odds.

 

[springbear]

a 180 buck would be a good to great buck in either unit. I would not be suprised if you went into either and got one that big. but I don't think it is a highly likely situation.

If you have bear hunted 22 than you will be let down. Of course, as far as I know, unit 22 is the top bear unit in ID, and possibly most of the western states.

 

[nick]

I think 14 has better genetics for deer.
If they would leave the season open another week these would be a lot better hunts. If you got some early snow it could push some bucks out of the high timber in unit 14 down towards the river. This hasn't happened for quite a few years.
There are a lot of 20" type bucks in both units and the possibilty of a smoker is there in both units.
I saw one good bear in 18 when scouting for deer in summer time. I would think they could find an area to grow old in either unit. I would spot and stalk in the spring it could be great especially if we don't get anymore snow than we have now. You could really access a lot of country.

 

[GSJ]

I've seen big whiteys in both units. And it's general. Seen some absolute gagger mulies in 18 but that was 15-20 years ago...
18 is a unit I would apply for. Seems like one that could be drawn fairly regular and I believe there has to be a few monsters left in there somewhere.






the artist formerly known as "gemstatejake".

 

[bigboney]

Just from the look of the terrain I'm sure some nice animals could be in there. The issue is getting the time to scout them out and then also getting the time off to hunt them for a week or more. It looks like the road system up there isn't that great either, which could work to my down fall or benefit. Does that area get pounded with general season hunters also?

 

[jwvolken]

I have hunted in both units,18 used to have some great bucks,not sure any more.Unit 14 i think is easier to draw,i drew it in 2009, killed a decent 24" 4x4,my buddie who drew the tag with me killed a 180" 4x4 last week of the season,you need to hunt the salmon river breaks,need a good set of legs.Also you can bring a small boat and cross the river and access some good areas from there.Both units have some decent whities,but get alot of presure.